Every human act that plays a constructive role in the realization of providential goals may be properly regarded as ministerial. Recognizing this fact, the Church is seeking new ways to integrate lay people and their capabilities more fully and effectively into her mission. Her challenge is to do this in a manner which matches diverse capabilities with varied apostolic needs. Accomplishing this objective will have the overall effect of making the Church’s mission to the world more productive.
As lay people, we recognize that we have a responsibility and a calling to participate in the Church’s apostolic mission. As scholars, we see our particular role as one of enhancing the Church’s ministry to the human understanding. More specifically, we see the cultivation of theological perspective, its increased interaction with other intellectual disciplines, and the social communication of resulting insights as an important area in which we can make a serious contribution.